Brad4d Savasana

Rather than react to situations that bring about our anger, it might be a call for us to recognize how we might be continually creating situations that stir up anger. Thubden Chodron writes about how our actions--and reactions--affect others.

We step out of mindfulness when our minds begin a running commentary on what’s before us. Thich Nhat Hahn offers some insight in his book, “Peace is Every Step.”

As we enter the holidays, we might encounter those who differ with us. Rather than speak from reaction or impulse, choose your words carefully. Tolstoy tells us sometimes it’s best to be silent.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with schedules and to-do lists, but it’s equally important to recognize our connection to a higher purpose. This passage from Lama Surya Das is a reminder for us to see our connection to others and the Big Picture of our lives.

Surrender often sounds passive in a society that emphasizes striving. Sometimes peace exists in the present moment, allowing it to be exactly what it is.

Andy Smallman breathes the Tao Te Ching using 21st Century language. His efforts to promote kindness in our world can bring peace within ourselves and our communities. You can find his work at https://kindliving.net/tao/

Studies have shown that breathing practices can calm the mind and body. Ujjayi, also called “ocean’s breath,” is a simple breath practice we can do anywhere, anytime.

Anthony De Mello’s “The Way to Love” has several insights on why we suffer. In his view, our attachments cause our suffering.

Although we might say, "honesty is the best policy," do we abide by it? Leo Tolstoy speaks about truth many times in his "Wise Thoughts for Every Day." Truth isn't as much of a policy that we engage here or there, but it is a means of being. We should live in truth and act in honest, authentic ways. By doing this, we set a good example for others.

In our polarized society, it’s easy to show disrespect and judgment for others. Ronald Rolheiser says that in doing this, we are serving an ideology rather than God or truth.

Our minds often carry the busyness of our lives into a meditation practice. Sometimes it helps to center yourself with some sacred words. This is one practice of centering—Lectio Divina—which has been practiced for centuries. Give yourself a few moments during the last reading to savor contemplation.

Richard Rohr says that although public prayers keep community, they might not bring deep intimacy with God.

When we encounter difficulties with others, meditating on compassion can put our hearts at ease. This metta meditation generates compassion for ourselves, those we love, those for whom we feel indifference, and those with whom we struggle. Then we send this compassion to the world.

If you struggle with meditation, visualization can help calm the body and mind. This meditation visualizes light infusing our body’s energy centers.

Ronald Rolheiser’s book, “The Holy Longing” addresses the question, “What is spirituality?” He writes that caring for others is an important expression of our spirituality.

Wayne Dyer’s book, “Your Sacred Self” recognizes that all lives are sacred, and he writes about how we can discover our sacredness within.

Deepak Chopra’s spiritual law of least effort contradicts our tendencies of the ego. It’s about tuning into the flow of nature and accepting things as they are given to us at each moment.

A reading of Psalm 131–having hope in God rather than being concerned with trifle things that don’t serve.

Joyce Meyer’s “Battlefield of the Mind” offers a Biblical perspective of how our minds can get trapped. By letting go of the past, we can be transformed.

BKS Iyengar’s “Light on Life” centers on how yoga can help you evolve. This passage is about why we fear change.

We can become overwhelmed with despair and loneliness. Karl Rahner says that opening our rubbled-over heart can be a prayer in itself. In this silence, we know we are never alone.

Kahlil Gibran paints a healthy portrait of marriage—one where we allow “spaces in togetherness.” Our souls should continue to breathe in a relationship rather than form an unhealthy attachment.

When do I need to make an effort, and when do I stop? Tolstoy said that “real” force comes from a state of inner calm.

St Therese de Lisieux had a strong, inspiring devotion to Christ. She prayed and participated in church not because she had to, but because her love attracted her. She felt “drawn” to God, so she chose love over fear.

The Dalai Lama’s book, “Ethics for a New Millennium,” presents life lessons we all can practice. This episode calls us to pay attention when we engage in negative thoughts.